The Hugely Impressive Hyundai Ioniq 9 Electric SUV Has Impressive Practicality.

Hyundai's Ioniq 9 is a huge electric SUV that seats seven comfortably, with cavernous space and ample cargo capacity. Impressively practical, it has plenty of power for all driving conditions and is ideal for long motorway journeys. Jeremy Webb hopped in the top-of-the-range Ioniq 9 and headed with six family members to Adventure Play at Blenheim Palace.

It appears the days of large people carriers have returned, though not in their former guise, such as the Toyota Previa. Brands are now producing large SUVs capable of carrying seven or more people, and, of course, they are electric. Hyundai is one of these manufacturers, and its model is the Ioniq 9, which is huge inside and out.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is designed to be the company's new flagship electric SUV, offering the ultimate in luxury. It comes standard as a seven-seater, with an option for a spacious six-seater configuration. Equipped with a large battery, the Ioniq 9 provides an impressive driving range. Hyundai has included a wealth of standard features to ensure that all occupants feel pampered and relaxed during every journey.

Models.

The Ioniq 9 lineup offers three distinct trim levels: Premium, Ultimate, and the luxurious Calligraphy. Among these options, all variants except the Premium version feature an advanced four-wheel-drive system with a twin-motor configuration, ensuring enhanced performance and traction across various terrains. Standard across the models is a spacious seven-seat arrangement, perfect for families or group travel. However, for those seeking an elevated experience, the top-tier Calligraphy trim presents the opportunity to upgrade to six opulent captain's chairs in the second row. This premium configuration includes chairs that not only slide but can also rotate, offering added convenience and comfort, and is available for an additional £1,000.

Performance and Handling.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 may not be the most agile vehicle on the market, but it excels in delivering a supremely comfortable driving experience. On the road, the vehicle exhibits a soft suspension. This softness allows the Ioniq 9 to glide over various road imperfections with remarkable ease, ensuring a tranquil journey for both the driver and passengers. The comfort-focused Ioniq 9 provides a driving experience that prioritises relaxation and a serene atmosphere, making it a compelling choice for those who value comfort over agility.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers a compelling lineup of powertrain options, starting with a rear-wheel drive variant that delivers a modest 215bhp and 350Nm of torque. While this entry-level model provides a solid foundation, its performance may not thrill driving enthusiasts, prompting many buyers in this price range to consider the more powerful dual-motor models.

Stepping up to the first of these dual-motor options, drivers will find an impressive 303bhp and a robust 605Nm of torque. This model significantly enhances the driving experience, offering a more exhilarating ride. However, the excitement peaks in the top-spec version, which boasts an exhilarating 421bhp and an astonishing 700Nm of torque. This powerhouse not only accelerates smoothly but also deploys its substantial power effortlessly, ensuring a refined driving experience that leaves little to be desired in terms of motor refinement.

The Ioniq 9 features four distinct drive modes that adjust the throttle response to suit your driving style. In both Normal and Sport modes, the vehicle showcases impressive responsiveness, making the claimed 0-62mph sprint time of the most powerful model entirely achievable. When Sport mode is selected, the multifunctional seats adapt by lowering the base and firming up the bolsters, transforming into a sporty seat that cradles you during dynamic cornering, enhancing both comfort and support on spirited drives.

The large-capacity battery allows for nearly 300 miles on a single charge, which is significantly better than the Kia EV9. The EV9 is more expensive and has a smaller battery capacity.

On paper, the charging speeds are quite impressive, with a maximum rate of 233 kW. This enables the substantial battery to go from 10% to 80% charged in just 24 minutes.

driving.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an enjoyable vehicle to drive overall, though its substantial size can present challenges in narrow streets and congested urban settings. One of the primary concerns for drivers is parking, which is why Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 9 with a comprehensive array of cameras and sensors designed to facilitate manoeuvring in tight spots. While the vehicle's weight contributes to a sense of solidity on the road, it also means the Ioniq 9 isn't the most agile or quickest option available; after all, you don't typically choose a large SUV with the intention of pursuing spirited driving.

The steering offers a pleasingly weighted feel, yet its response tends to be somewhat sluggish. As you navigate corners, you'll notice a notable amount of body roll, which is characteristic of a vehicle of this size and weight. Encountering mid-corner bumps may lead to a brief shimmy, steering the car away from your intended line—a clear indication of its bulk.

However, the Ioniq 9 truly shines during motorway journeys. Its suspension, designed for comfort, might seem a tad lethargic on winding B-roads, but at higher speeds it reveals a long-legged, relaxed character. The strong levels of refinement further enhance the experience, transforming the Ioniq 9 into a remarkably comfortable haven for up to seven passengers, making it perfect for covering extensive distances with ease and tranquillity.

Interior.

The cabin of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers a modern, inviting atmosphere, but it lacks the high-end finishes that could elevate it above the rest of the Ioniq lineup. While the exterior showcases a unique design that distinctly separates it from the Ioniq 5 and 6 models, it is the elevated driving position that truly highlights this flagship variant. Inside, you'll find a slightly curved twin-screen dashboard that adds sleek visual appeal, complemented by a climate control panel conveniently placed lower on the centre console.

The equipment list for this vehicle is impressive and comprehensive. It includes heated and ventilated seats for both the front and rear passengers, ensuring comfort in any weather. Music lovers will appreciate the premium 14-speaker Bose sound system, which delivers crystal-clear audio throughout the cabin. The panoramic glass roof enhances the sense of spaciousness and allows natural light to flood in, creating an airy atmosphere. Inside, the luxurious Nappa leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance and refinement.

The Ioniq 9 features a lofty, upright design that provides the driver with an impressive vantage point over the road ahead. Sitting in this elevated position offers a sense of command, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The storage space in this vehicle is impressively generous, featuring a spacious sliding centre console with a deep compartment, neatly designed for versatility. This compartment can be divided into smaller sections, making it easy to organise a diverse array of items. Accessing this area is convenient thanks to a hinged lid that opens from both the front and the rear, allowing front passengers and those in the middle row to reach their essentials with ease. Additionally, there is a larger, drawer-style entrance accessible from the back, further enhancing the utility of the storage space.

Moving to the rear seating area, the middle row feels exceptionally expansive. The headroom is outstanding, creating an airy atmosphere no matter how the seats are configured—whether in a six or seven-seat arrangement. The comfort level is noteworthy, ensuring that all passengers enjoy the ride. Even those in the third row, unlike in many seven-seater vehicles, are well accommodated, with nearly equal comfort to those in the middle row. While legroom may be slightly more limited for taller adults, it remains quite sufficient for most.

The Ioniq 9 impresses with its spacious boot, even when configured to accommodate seven passengers. With a capacity of 338 litres, it surpasses the Kia EV9 by five litres and offers an additional 28 litres over the Volvo EX90. When it's time to maximise storage, the back row can be effortlessly folded down using convenient electrical switches located in the boot area, expanding the cargo space to an impressive 908 litres. For those who need even more room, the Ioniq 9 shines in two-seat mode, offering a staggering 2,419 litres of cargo capacity, making it a standout choice for those who prioritise versatility and storage.

The Ioniq 9 truly excels in safety, boasting impressive credentials that are hard to overlook. It has earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, a testament to its exceptional crash-safety performance. Each model is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies as standard. Among these features is Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist 2.0, an innovative system that allows the vehicle to autonomously maintain its lane on the motorway for brief periods, providing drivers with an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 features automatic lane-changing, further enhancing its ability to navigate busy highways seamlessly. The integration of rear-facing lane-change cameras, a familiar tool from Hyundai, adds an extra dimension of awareness and safety, enabling drivers to make informed manoeuvres with confidence.

The Ioniq 9 offers a significant advantage in servicing costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles of a similar size. This cost-effectiveness is evident in its service plan, which is priced at just over £300 for a comprehensive three-year maintenance package. This attractive pricing reflects the lower maintenance and upkeep costs of electric cars, making the Ioniq 9 not only an eco-friendly choice but also a wallet-friendly one.

Rivals.

One notable alternative to consider is the Kia EV9, which shares the same underlying platform as its competitors. However, it is equipped with a modest 99.8kWh battery, resulting in a shorter overall driving range than the Hyundai model. Interestingly, this reduction in range comes with a higher price tag, making it a more expensive option for buyers.

On a different front, the Volvo EX90 presents a luxurious choice with its impressive seven spacious seats and all-electric driving experience, though it commands an even steeper price.

For those seeking a more compact SUV, the Peugeot E-5008 is an option that, while slightly smaller, offers rear seating more suitable for occasional passengers. Additionally, it boasts a cabin that showcases elevated quality and refinement, surpassing that of the Ioniq 9.

Summary.

The large size of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers many benefits, with ample space for occupants and everything they want to take with them. It is hugely impressive as a comfortable, practical and versatile vehicle that offers a good degree of luxury and performance. It is packed with the latest driving aids and entertainment, so any journey is a pleasure.